storytelling with data podcast

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Episodes

109

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Rid your world of ineffective graphs and mediocre presentations, one exploding 3D pie chart at a time! The storytelling with data podcast from bestselling author, speaker and workshop guru, Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic covers topics related to data storytelling, better presentations, and all things data viz.

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60 recent

September 9, 2026Episode 1119 min

waterfall charts: what they are and how to use them

Waterfall charts are great at showing what happened between where you started and where you ended—but they can look a little strange if you’ve never encountered one before. In this episode, Alli explains what a waterfall chart is, when to use one, and how to make it easier for your audience to read. Plus, she highlights three clever examples from the storytelling with data community that use color, annotations, and even small multiples to make the most of this less-common chart type. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Show notes: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/111 Book your storytelling with data team training! Waterfall chart definition, examples, and the how-to video Waterfall community challenge Jian’s waterfall Keith’s waterfall Andrew’s waterfall

September 2, 2026Episode 11027 min

look more confident presenting with these simple tweaks with guest Jay Sullivan

Conveying confidence when presenting often comes down to a few small, intentional choices. Jay Sullivan, author of Simply Said and communication expert at Exec|Comm, shares three simple tweaks that can make an immediate difference. You’ll learn: his smart approach to eye contact what the “Arc of Silence” is and how to use it the helpful acronym “RIDE” to clearly explain a chart that you’re presenting Show notes: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/110 RELATED LINKS Book your storytelling with data team training! Simply Said by Jay Sullivan More about Jay’s work at Exec|Comm Connect with Jay on LinkedIn

August 26, 2026Episode 10916 min

how to build tension in your data story

Want to make your data story more engaging? Try adding a little tension. Join data storyteller Alli Torban as she explores how tension can create curiosity and keep your audience invested in your story. You’ll learn three simple ways to build tension— expectation versus reality, knowledge tension, and action tension —and see how members of the storytelling with data community put each technique into practice. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Register for our 8-week online course : plan, create, and deliver your data story. September 28th–November 22nd, 2026. Use the code PODCAST10 for 10% off your registration! Join the storytelling with data community ! Look through the community exercise submissions for building tension Danny’s submission Miroslav’s submission Regina’s submission Podcast: help! my data story feels boring Book your own custom team training!

August 19, 2026Episode 10821 min

how to handle the “prove me right” problem

What do you do when a leader asks you to find data to prove them right? In this episode, data storytellers Ryan Biesecker and Alli Torban explore the difference between investigating a hypothesis and validating a foregone conclusion . They share practical ways to ask better questions, approach analysis with curiosity, and navigate the tricky situation when the data doesn’t support what your leader expected. Learn how to protect your credibility while respectfully managing upward. SHOW NOTES: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/108 RELATED RESOURCES: ⁠Register for our virtual, public workshop on August 20, 2026⁠ . The next public workshop is November 5, 2026 (use code PODCAST10 for 10% off our public workshops and on-demand courses) Blog: what if my audience wants a different story? Blog: don't fall victim to "the curse of knowledge" Blog: how do I give an unbiased recommendation to my analysis? Community Conversation: around challenges while driving change Podcast: the challenges of change Book your own custom team training!

August 12, 2026Episode 1078 min

help! my boss gave me a slide limit

How do you handle a presentation when your boss gives you a slide limit? Join data storyteller Alli Torban as she tackles this common presentation constraint. You'll learn why limiting slides doesn’t necessarily lead to shorter presentations, how negotiating for a time limit instead can lead to clearer communication, and practical strategies for when the slide limit truly isn’t negotiable. SHOW NOTES: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/107 RESOURCES MENTIONED: Register for our virtual, public workshop on August 20, 2026⁠ (use code PODCAST10 for 10% off our public workshops and on-demand courses) Alex’s blog post: limit the minutes and let the slides slide Book your own custom team training

August 5, 2026Episode 10627 min

earn curiosity before you show the data with guest Riley Martin

Join data storyteller Alli Torban as she talks with Riley Martin, founder of Sportsball, about one of the hardest parts of data storytelling: getting people to care before you show the data. You'll learn how Riley translates complex topics into approachable visual stories, why he assumes his audience starts with little or no background knowledge, and practical techniques for uncovering what your audience actually wants to know. Show notes: ⁠https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/106 RESOURCES MENTIONED: Register for our virtual, public workshop on August 20, 2026 (use code PODCAST10 for 10% off our public workshops and on-demand courses) Riley Martin on LinkedIn Sportsball website Ilia Malinin figure skating infographic Sakura Micron pens Pentel PointLiner pens Zebra ClickArt markers Flourish Studio

July 29, 2026Episode 1059 min

AI is flattening your data stories (and how to fix it)

Join Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic as she shares how AI can quietly flatten your data stories. You’ll learn why AI tends to smooth over the tension that makes a story compelling, how to keep the sharp edges that move your specific audience, and practical ways to stay in control—from analog brainstorming to sharper prompts. The goal: use AI as a thought partner without letting it dilute your perspective. Show notes: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/105 RESOURCES MENTIONED: Learn about our Enhance with AI team training Read our blog series on practical AI guidance Watch our live event on YouTube: AI for data storytelling Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off our public workshops and on-demand courses

July 22, 2026Episode 1045 min

the slide title mistake we see often

Join data storyteller Alli Torban as she shares a very common slide title mistake: using questions as your slide titles . You'll learn why question-based titles can divide your audience's attention, how to write a better title, and a simple bonus tip for making both your slide titles and chart titles work together. It's a small change that can make your presentations much easier to understand. Show notes: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/104 RESOURCES MENTIONED: Simon Rowe's blog post: "be careful using questions as slide titles" Alex Velez's blog post: "transforming slide titles" Watch our AI virtual event recording on YouTube Learn about our Enhance with AI team training Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off our public workshops and on-demand courses

July 15, 2026Episode 10322 min

how to improve your design (no artistic talent needed)

Do you have to be a designer to create better visuals? Join data storytellers Alex Velez and Alli Torban as they share practical ways to train your design eye by studying great examples, recreating charts, and seeking feedback—all while making intentional design decisions that help your audience understand your message faster. If you've ever thought, "I'm just not a designer," this episode will show you where to begin. Show notes: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/103 https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/103 RESOURCES MENTIONED: Cole’s blog post “can design be taught?” Join the SWD community Presenting Data Effectively by Stephanie Evergreen Chart Spark by Alli Torban (X-RAY technique) Watch our AI virtual event recording Register for the 4-hour, public workshop on August 20th, 2026 Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off!

July 8, 2026Episode 10212 min

help! my data story feels boring

Can "nothing changed" still be a compelling data story? Join data storyteller Alli Torban as she shares why "everything is performing as expected" can still be a meaningful data story. Through three examples from the storytelling with data community, you'll learn practical techniques for making "normal" meaningful by establishing expectations, adding helpful context, and giving your audience confidence to make a decision—even when there isn't a dramatic insight hiding in the data. LINKS Show notes The storytelling with data book Join the SWD community Steven’s submission Robyn’s submission Gian’s submission Watch our free AI virtual event LIVE on July 13th, 2026 Register for the 4-hour, public workshop on August 20th, 2026